Description
If you’re craving a sweet treat that combines rich buttery flavor with nutty crunch and a dreamy glaze, these Frosted Butter Pecan Cookies are for you. Perfect for fall gatherings, cookie swaps, or just cozying up with a warm drink, this easy cookie recipe comes together in no time. With a golden, chewy base and a warm vanilla frosting, these cookies are a hit for anyone who loves comforting dessert ideas. Think of them as a mix between your favorite buttery shortbread and a classic pecan pie in cookie form — ideal for holiday baking, quick breakfast treats, or afternoon snacks. This is a must-save for anyone looking for easy recipes, dessert ideas, and delicious food ideas that never fail.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
0.5 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2.5 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
0.5 teaspoon salt
1.5 cups chopped pecans, toasted
0.25 cup unsalted butter
0.5 cup brown sugar
0.25 cup milk or heavy cream
1.5 to 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whole pecan halves, for topping (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and toast the pecans on a baking sheet for 6–8 minutes, stirring halfway through. Let cool.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until combined.
6. Fold in the toasted chopped pecans.
7. Scoop dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are golden.
8. Let cookies cool for 5 minutes on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
9. For the frosting, melt butter and brown sugar in a saucepan until bubbly. Stir in milk and bring to a simmer.
10. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
11. Spoon or drizzle frosting onto cooled cookies and press a pecan half on top (optional). Allow glaze to set.
Notes
For best flavor, toast your pecans ahead of time to enhance their nuttiness.
Don’t overbake — cookies should be slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven.
You can adjust frosting thickness by adding more or less powdered sugar depending on your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg